+++++++

        Silence

is a place.
It invites you

inside,
to sit awhile,
to linger,

to bask in its
gracious light.

Here you
might find
a chair or two,

a prie-dieu,
a sajjada,

some beads
for a mantra,
for a heartbeat-word.

Here you
might see

a mandala,
a reproduction

of a Rothko,
of a Matisse,

you might see
a painting
by one of the clients.

There may be books
to refresh
weary spirits:

Bible, Quran, siddur,
Tao te Ching,

Rumi, Hafiz,
Mary Oliver,
John O'Donohue.

Here you can
be still.

Here you can trust
that something,
someone,
beyond yourself,
sustains you,
embraces you.

Here you are
welcomed.

Here

you are restored.

Here you can
whisper: peace,
live in me,
and let me live

in you.